Seattle is one of the most iconic cities in the country because of its greenery and popularity of the companies that are world-known these days. Amazon, Starbucks, Boeing, and REI all started from here. It also has an amazing food scene based on the natural Northwestern produce. And if we’re talking about the art we can’t forget the city’s vibrant music scene, art galleries, and cultural landmarks all around it. However, as we know big city life is not for everyone. Some people simply prefer the simplicity of small towns. But here you can get the best of both worlds. The west portion of the city is perfect for such people, and just for them, we’ve created this West Seattle moving guide.
There are a dozen neighborhoods laying here, but that doesn’t mean that there are no beaches, forests, or mountains just a short drive away. The Duwamish River separates the city into two parts which almost operate and feel like independent entities. West Seattle is home to around 12% of the city population and when you get there, you’ll think that you’re in a small town with close-knit neighborhoods. It’s a special feeling.
Who Lives in West Seattle?
No West Seattle moving guide would be complete without explaining who actually lives here. So, you can see if you’ll like it here before you start looking into the ultimate cross country moving checklist. And the least we can say is that the population is diverse. There are empty-nesters, retirees, millennials, musicians, and families. Outsiders tend to describe residents as laid back people focused on compassion and the environment.
As you can expect, pretty much everyone here is community-minded. However, they’re also very concentrated on enjoying life as it is and there’s nothing wrong with that. The biggest employers in the area of the city are Boeing, Microsoft, and Amazon among others. Although these companies aren’t necessarily located in it, people don’t mind commuting simply because they enjoy and value the vibe and atmosphere of the place.
So, in general, people move here because they like it. It’s as simple as that.
How life goes here
As we’ve already mentioned, West Seattle is a collection of smaller neighborhoods that are connected with a beautiful landscape. So, you won’t have to worry about having access to shops, restaurants, and culture. Additionally, scenic views of the mountains are all around so you won’t lack that either. Our professionals from hansenbros.com tell us that it’s worth mentioning that some areas are exclusively residential. Therefore, if you’re moving to Gatewood or Arbor Heights you’ll need a car for your daily commute.
Some of the favorite getaways of the locals are the West Duwamish Greenbelt, Lincoln Park, and Alki Beach. All of those are amazing places where you can encounter wildlife, have a picnic, play sports, swim, surf, or simply just watch people stroll by. Seattle has something for everyone.
Transport in West Seattle
When it comes to commuting and transport in West Seattle, there are many options to choose from. This portion of the city is actually very walkable and lots of people enjoy cycling around. If you’re an experienced rider you’ll enjoy hilly parks with steep drops and rocky edges all around.
Another extremely popular mode of transportation is a car. Since this is West Seattle moving guide, we feel obligated to tell you that you will need a car after relocating here a lot. However, since it is a necessity everyone else has one too. So, the traffic sometimes can get really bad. You’ll feel like you’re moving out of the big city, but the traffic will beg to differ.
If you’re not a driver and not planning to become one you’ll be glad to hear that public transport also works. It’s best described as adequate at the moment, but the city’s working on making it even better. Busses, however, won’t save you from the traffic, but the water taxi will. It docks at Seacrest Park and offers a fifteen-minute trip to the downtown. Probably the best deal on the market.
Moving to West Seattle
Moving to West Seattle shouldn’t be a problem as there are reliable movers in the neighborhood itself. However, there are also a few things you should pay a little bit more attention to if you want everything to go smoothly.
Plan extensively
As you now already know, there are more than a few neighborhoods here. So, choosing the right one is an extremely important decision to make. Try to visit them all before you settle for one. Also, be sure to make a moving checklist consisting of all the things you need to do before the moving day finally arrives. You don’t want to pack your apartment overnight for an interstate move. It is possible, but often is a receipt for a disaster.
Pack room by room
Out of all the packing tactics and systems we’ve seen over the years, room by room seems to be the best one. It’s the easiest way to keep all of your belongings well sorted and ready to go into a portable unit to easily transport everything. Just be sure to clearly mark each and every box so both you and your movers have an easier time during the relocation process.
Settle in your new home
The final part of your relocation is settling down. For some, it is the hardest one. But, knowing the place you’re moving to, we’re sure that you’ll be just fine. Visit some of the famous restaurants in the city, have a bite of the food, and meet some locals. Check out the art installation or the local band that’s playing in one of the many clubs. There are many things to do here and that’s what makes it so nice to live here.
And that pretty much concludes our West Seattle moving guide. Now you know everything about the place and how to get there. Invest some time in choosing the right location and we’re convinced that you’re going to love it.